Introduction
Equal Opportunity Policy
Affirmative Action Policy

Introduction

In 1985 Murdoch University adopted the Equal Opportunity Policy and became formally committed to the principles of equal opportunity as stipulated in the WA Equal Opportunity Act of 1984.  Under this policy the University accepted responsibility, both as an employer and as a provider of education, to take active steps to eliminate discrimination in all aspects of University life.  As part of its management responsibility and in compliance with Federal and State legislation the University is required to take account of the principles embodied in:

• Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA),
• Industrial Relations Act 1979 (WA),
• Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 (WA),
• Race Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth),
• Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth),
• Workplace Relations Act 1996 (Cth),
• Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Act 1986 (Cth),
• Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act 1999 (Cth), and
• Age Discrimination Act 2004 (Cth).

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Equal Opportunity Policy

Murdoch University is committed to equal opportunity principles and continues to develop and implement equal opportunity strategies to ensure that in all University structures, policies, practices and decisions are based on the assessment of individual ability and achievement.  Murdoch rejects inappropriate distinctions on the grounds of race (colour, ethnicity, national origin, nationality or descent), sex, pregnancy, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender history, family responsibility, family status, political conviction, religious belief, disability or medical condition (not affecting work performance).  Conscious efforts to eliminate all forms of direct and indirect discrimination are endorsed fully by the Senate, the Vice-Chancellor, and all members of University management.  Sexual harassment and racial harassment are prohibited in all University life.  The Murdoch University Act 1973-85 compliments the Equal Opportunity Policy.

THE MURDOCH UNIVERSITY ACT 1973-85

"Men and women shall be equally eligible for any office of appointment in the University and for membership of any of its constituent bodies, and all degrees and courses of study in the University shall be open to men and women alike.  No religious, racial or political test shall be imposed upon any person in order to entitle him or her to be admitted as a student or other member of the University, or as a member of the academic or other staff of the University, or to hold office in or to graduate at the University, or to hold any advantage or privilege thereof."

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Affirmative Action Policy

The University has a legislative obligation under the Affirmative Action Act 1986 to implement affirmative action programs to redress the under-representation of women in employment (both general and academic staff) particularly the under-representation in senior/management positions.  The University complies with the Act and strives to achieve equality of opportunity in employment.  It provides a number of affirmative action requirements to Divisions and cost centres with the intention of improving the participation of women in all areas of employment.

The principal object of Equal Employment Opportunity Policy at Murdoch is to ensure that its structures and practices are free from direct and indirect sex discrimination.  It refers to all phases of employment including selection and appointment, promotion, training, and terms and conditions of employment.  It has established policies and procedures that provide a basis for respecting and valuing the diversity of staff by its commitment to prevent and eliminate discrimination on the grounds specified by the Act.

An annual report on the Affirmative Action Program is forwarded to the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency which is a Federal body (formerly known as the Affirmative Action Agency) and also reports to the Directorate of Equal Employment Opportunity at the State level.  The Program is integrated in other University activities and available to all members of the University.  The University Equity Plan that includes a consultative process between the Equal Opportunity Sections and the Divisions is currently in operation and provides opportunities for the monitoring and evaluation of the Program.

The overall responsibility for the Program is vested in the Vice-Chancellor, while the Equal Opportunity Sections of Academic Affairs and Human Resources coordinates its implementation through the Executive Deans, Heads of Schools, Divisions and Office Directors.  Successful achievement of equal opportunity in employment and education will result in a fairer and more effective use of human resources that will benefit women, men, the University, and ultimately the whole community.

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